What is the medical term for skin inflammation?

The medical term for skin inflammation is dermatitis. This term encompasses various types of inflammation that affect the skin, often resulting in redness, swelling, itching, and sometimes blistering. Dermatitis can arise from a variety of factors, including allergic reactions, irritants, and environmental conditions. It is a broad term that includes more specific conditions such as eczema and contact dermatitis.

In contrast, psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that leads to rapid skin cell production, resulting in thick, red, scaly patches rather than general inflammation. Eczema, while commonly referred to when discussing skin inflammation, is actually a type of dermatitis that includes specific symptoms and triggers. Acne refers to a condition related to clogged hair follicles and is not classified under skin inflammation in the same way as dermatitis. Therefore, dermatitis is the most accurate term to describe skin inflammation in a medical context.